Ellesmere Market Hall unveils wall of 1,000 handmade poppies

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 05:48 · Archive

Ellesmere Market Hall has unveiled a wall of remembrance featuring up to 1,000 handmade poppies created by market traders, members of the public, schoolchildren and community groups as a tribute to members of the Armed Forces who have served and died in the line of duty. The poppies were knitted, crocheted, sewn, painted, forged in metal or crafted from various other materials, with contributions arriving from as far as Scotland and Cornwall.

The project was conceived by artist Mary Gater, who runs the creative stall The Makers' Nest in the market hall with fellow artist Louise Higginbottom. Both artists have family members who have served in the Armed Forces going back to the First World War. Mary explained: 'Given the age of the building and the length of time that there's been a market on this site I got to thinking about the people who'd passed through the doors and who would have been affected by war in some way. And that was the inspiration behind creating a memorial.'

An appeal for handmade poppies was put out to the local community in September. The installation has transformed the historic market hall into a place of reflection as the town prepares for Remembrance Day. An old Army jacket and tin helmet, recently discovered in a storeroom at the market, have been given pride of place above the children's section of the display. The positive community response has led to the project becoming an annual event.

How it is being reported

• Ellesmere Market Hall unveils a Remembrance Poppy WallA poppy wall of remembrance has been unveiled at Ellesmere Market Hall, bringing together up to 1,000 handmade poppies created by market traders, members of the public, schoolchildren and community groups.Shropshire Live · 5 Nov, 05:14
• Shropshire market hall unveils moving wall of remembrance featuring 1,000 handmade poppiesThe idea is set to become an annual featureShropshire Star · 3 Nov, 20:57

In this story: Ellesmere Market Hall · Mary Gater · Louise Higginbottom · The Makers' Nest

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